Kimi Antonelli Becomes the 2026 Formula 1 World Champion

Finishing third in the 19th race of the season, the Mexico Grand Prix, Kimi Antonelli became the youngest champion in Formula 1 history. The title was secured with 4 races still left in the season.

The race was held on the 4,304-metre Hermanos Rodriguez Circuit in the capital, Mexico City, and was run over 71 laps. Red Bull's Dutch driver Max Verstappen won the race with a time of 2 hours, 20 minutes and 28.772 seconds. Ferrari's British driver Lewis Hamilton finished second, 0.799 seconds behind the leader. Antonelli, who has 9 race wins this season, finished third, 4.006 seconds behind Verstappen.

On lap 45, Valtteri Bottas suffered a front left tyre puncture. He lost control and crashed hard into the barriers at the end of the straight, which led to a red flag and a pause in the race. Bottas did not finish the race.

Antonelli said he was happy to be the champion this season. Stressing that he could not have reached this level without his team and his family, the young driver said he was still trying to come to terms with what he had achieved. He said sharing the podium with Verstappen and Hamilton was a great pleasure, and he expressed his eagerness to compete even harder in the seasons ahead.

The next race will be the Brazilian Grand Prix, which will take place on 8 November.